Brendan Graham tunes up for second American jackpot

The Irish songwriter behind You Raise Me Up has penned a new anthem, which is being regarded as ‘a salute to America’

His uplifting lyrics helped to get You Raise Me Up played more than a million times on radio in America. Now Brendan Graham could hit the "million-air" jackpot again.

The Irish songwriter has penned an anthem to America that will be released as a single next month after receiving standing ovations following its performance at live shows for the past three months.

O, America!, which is being performed on their current tour by Celtic Woman, the Irish five-piece, will be released by EMI on June 23.

The song's patriotic lyrics and soaring melody have moved audiences to tears with fans describing it as "a salute to America" during troubled times.

Graham has made a fortune from You Raise Me Up, which has been recorded by more than 300 artists, including Josh Groban and Westlife, who had a number one with it. Last year he was awarded a Million-Air award when